How to find a good training school or trainer for your dog
Finding the right dog training school or dog trainer can be quite a challenge, especially taking into account how many different schools of thought, training methods and trainers there are to choose from. Some of them promise to be the best, or to have quick fix techniques to change your ‘unruly’ dog into the star of the class. Some will even train your dog for you while you are at work. Unfortunately there is no governing body (other than the SPCA in the case of cruelty or neglect) that one can turn to for minimum standards in dog (or any animal for that matter) training.
An inexperienced trainer or inappropriate training methods could result in serious behaviour problems affecting quality of life for both you and your dog.
- Training should be fun, educational, effective and helpful. Things to look out for are:
- Experienced and qualified trainers with at least a basic knowledge of canine behaviour.
- A professional and well-organized set-up
- A calm, ordered class – no stress and tension
- A safe and big enough training area for the amount of people and dogs (ideally maximum 6 puppies/dogs per class)
- Reward based training (hands-off; using food treats, toys and praise; no jerking, pulling, pushing or shouting and no physical punishment)
- Both people and dogs enjoying the training
- No puppy or dog being ‘refused’ or ‘expelled’ from training without reasonable alternative options offered
- Consideration of individual training needs of both owner and dog
- Pets and owners treated with respect and patience
How to find a training class:
- Ask enough people (your local vets, dog-owning friends, boarding kennels)
- Contact trainers and ask to visit their classes (without your puppy/dog so that you can observe without being distracted )
- Ask enough questions and expect answers
- Ask yourself if you and your dog/puppy will look forward to going to that class
- Enrol for a class that is most suitable, even if you need to wait to get started or have to travel further
- Visit the training facilities and watch how the classes are managed and how the dogs are treated.
How to prepare yourself and your puppy or dog for school:
- Gradually introduce them to a collar and lead
- Gradually introduce them to very short and pleasant car trips
- For puppies, allow as much as possible interaction with other humans and if possible other puppies
Be careful of training schools that insist on using choke chains and half chains. Visit such a school for one or two lessons to see how they work with the dogs before you enrol your dog.
Invest enough time in finding the right training class – it will have long term benefits.
Please keep in mind that training alone will not address problem behaviour adequately. It will however help you to communicate with your dog effectively as to which behaviours you will allow and which not. Training also strengthens the bond between you and your dog based on mutual respect and trust which will ensure many happy years together.
The following list of training schools and dog clubs are herewith provided to assist you (please submit information to be listed via the contact form):
Manderston Canine Academy (Midrand)
Karen Myers Dog Training School